BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping called for the Chinese people to carry on the national spirit of the Anti-Japanese War as the country is expecting many "great battles" in its future development.

China cultivated the great national spirit of Anti-Japanese War during the war against Japanese aggression, said Xi, addressing a symposium held to mark the 69th anniversary of victory in Anti-Japanese War.

"The great national spirit, with patriotism at its core, was a decisive factor for the victory, while the mainstay role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) played during the war was also crucial," Xi said.

The anti-Japanese aggression efforts which involved the whole nation are an important "magic tool" for the victory, he added.

"We must get prepared for many great battles with new historical characteristics as the country is striving to achieve its goals, gradually realize the common prosperity for all, and realize the Chinese dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

The President pointed out that, "in the journey ahead of us, we must unswervingly adhere to the socialist path with Chinese characteristics, put development as CPC's top task in governance, comprehensively deepen reform and stick to the path of peaceful development."

When summarizing the significance of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Xi said the victory utterly crushed Japanese militarism's scheme of enslaving China, resurrected China's status as a big power in the world, and created bright prospects for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Premier Li Keqiang was also present at the symposium, which was presided over by senior leader Liu Yunshan.